@@edpor68 cancer. When Columbo was on the MeTV network, I would watch and wiki/ IMDb the episode. I saw that the actress that played Margret had died young from cancer. So sad.
I love it, it shows that even if he could take the easier route and use that, he wouldn't, He's a good man and wouldn't steal and misuse what is evidence in a court case.
I agree. It looks very odd to have a bag of banknotes and he tells the waitress that he can not pay. And the waitress is very relaxed in this case. I wonder if he ever enjoyed the root beer.
One tiny little detail in retrospect shows that: the girl is getting into the gate all the way, not hinting at all that it wasa setup, but the killer left earlier, she didn't watch her go all the way. The policemen were doing all their precautions, but the lady was so convinced, she wasn't even bothered that it might be some sort of entrapment, she left earlier. That's something that comes back harder when you hear Columbo saying that "she has no conscience".
The main problem is that more often than you may think, people are desperate for money. This could have set that girl up for life. Even if the 1970's wasn't as bad as today, in terms of cash, far less people would turn on her than this show implies. Greed slightly hurts the concept of an 'absolute catch' of the murderer.
@@grf15 You could be right, or wrong. If the stepmother has no Will, or another benefactor, it is not guaranteed the estate goes to her. The show never says who the main benefactor is, for relevancy reasons. There could be a court battle due to the size of the estate. She is also a stepmother and not a direct family connection. These are all things that make me not want to be a fly on the wall, to listen to, when they would go through them.
A key thing in this scene is the fact that it is one of the few times Columbo seems to acknowledge his intelligence. After saying to him "you're very lucky lieutenant" she corrects herself and says "congratulations, you're very smart". His response of "so are you" shows that, despite his frequent claims of being lucky, or getting the answer from some mysterious relative, or just plain working harder than other (which he no doubt did), he knows he is, in fact, very intelligent.
Him saying that he's just lucky, a dumb gumshoe etc. is usually part of his act to make the perps underestimate him. He very deliberately acts like a bumpkin to get people's guards down. It's during the final arrest that the pretense is dropped.
This was a pilot for the first series and officially not even episode 1 when you search! Perhaps they decided to make small changes to character. We love it either way!
That ending says everything that needs to be said about Columbo. Standing with a giant briefcase of money, he still does it the honorable way. Columbo is never trying to take the shortcut. And that's why, at the end of the day, there is no shadow of a doubt.
Absolutely!!! Have more respect for him after watching that scene, but if he tried to pay $1.25 with a $100 bill,it would be hard to get the change LOL . Better send the check to LAPD,and not touch the ransom money
Well in several of the later episodes, when he can't get enough real evidence, he uses fake evidence to trick the suspects or their alibi witnesses into confessing or giving away real evidence.
At 1:23 you can clearly see a large Santa Claus figure standing in a shop as the camera pans. This scene was clearly shot around Christmas. The interesting thing is that there were no actual Columbo episodes set during Christmas time. This might be the nearest we ever got to one.
@@wellesradio :P Trolling a spelling mistake.. Lovely! :D I think its more common NOW, than it was in the past for sitcoms and tv shows to have an xmas special.
@@drakekay6577 I didn’t notice any spelling mistake. I’m not petty like that. I was just pointing out the inconsistent logic of detesting a certain practice that was more prevalent then than now and somehow using it to justify nostalgia for that era. There are plenty of reasons to like something, but that one didn’t make sense.
The best Colombo movies are the ones wherein the opposing actor possesses the theatrical acumen to stand toe-to-toe with Falk’s giant talent. Lee Grant was one of those actors.
"You can't conceive of anybody being any different than what you are." That is such an incredibly true statement, both of those like this person and those who are NOT like them. It's just as hard to understand those who will look the other way, pretend they don't see, ignore what's going on and benefit from it as it is for the person who is doing it to understand why others aren't willing to do so.
Yes, they have some really good dialog in these. Another example is in the episode, "Try and Catch Me," when Columbo is talking to "Abigail Mitchell" (Ruth Gordon) on the pier and Abigail is talking about the death of her niece (she suspects her niece's husband of murdering her and getting away with it.) _ABIGAIL: I've been watching the sailboats_ _COLUMBO: Oh. Beautiful thing._ _A: Not to me. Like the one Phyllis was drowned on._ _C: I looked into that, ma'am. She disappeared from the boat. But the police, they don't know for a fact that she died of drowning._ _A: I didn't know the police took all that interest. It was so "officially closed."_ _C: Well, there was nothing else they could do, ma'am._ _A: No. (irritated) Nope. Nothing else._ _C: That must have been very hard losing someone you love like that. I've been very lucky. I've lost my parents, that's the way of the world. But to lose someone that young, that's like being cheated. That's very hard._ That's some great writing there.
I like where she thinks she’s outsmarted him so invites him for a drink which is what he wanted her to do the whole time. Always one step ahead of them.
He should have let her off and gotten married with her. She has that "hot and cold" vibe that makes her completely irresistible. But then she would have gotten bored...and killed him.
Not with the current crop of incompetents currently writing in Hollywood. Colombo *requires* sharp, intelligent scripting to work. The yahoos cluttering the writing rooms today are so stupid they think a skin colour is the most interesting thing about a character, instead the least.
I think it might be possible to not reboot Columbo, but to instead introduce a new female detective who seems similar to Colombo but appears not be be related at all. The twist is that at the end of the first story it is revealed that she is Columbo's granddaughter. Due to how legendary her grandfather is (just the mention of his name makes people nervous) , she hides to her true identity so she can be considered an ordinary police detective. But she has the same sharp mind as him, and her own way of appearing to be the fool. The key would be to have a Creative Team on the same level as the one for Columbo.
I think I have seen every episode of “Columbo,” and this one is right up there with the best. My favorites are “Etude in Black,” with John Cassavetes , “Any Port in a Storm” with Donald Pleasance, and “Forgotten Lady” with Janet Leigh. I highly recommend these as must watch episodes. The series always had “A-list” guest stars. Bravo!!! RIP, Peter Falk.
I've worked at a major airport for over 20 years, and have been flying since I was a child. seeing the airport in this video made me nostalgic and very sad. Airports used to be fun places to be, I remember showing up like 3 hours early for my flight just to browse around and enjoy myself before getting on a plane. Now days, even though I work there, I would rather drive for 2 days than get on a 4 hour flight.
Was remarking to myself the other day of just how free the world used to be. We could do whatever we wanted, as long as we weren't lying, cheating, or stealing. I miss those days terribly.
@@miketype1each The one good thing about the new security measures was that you didn't have a wife and five kids taking up all the seats at the terminal waiting to wave daddy goodbye.
@@charlesgantz5865 Why is that a good thing? I waved to my Aunt as she was heading off to Bethesda, MD for medical treatments. We were on the tarmac. I wonder if you know how free the world was just 30 years ago. I'll wager you don't, or have forgotten. It used to be wonderful to be alive.
Peter Falk said in an interview that Columbo had big brains but he had to appear harmless in front of his adversaries. That made me think that that is a good advise. People tend let their guard down when they don't feel threaten.
This the REAL first appearance of Columbo. The feigned, sometimes not, absent mindedness and the total ruthlessness are on display. Lee Grant puts in a brilliant performance as the amoral killer. Thank you for uploading this video.
I have some Columbo episodes on DVD and they look very sharp and crisp more like 720p even on a large 55 inch TV. I play them on a Blu-Ray player which also applies HD upscaling to regular DVD's.
3:59 That tiny flash of utter dismay, after she shakes her head: "I know I'm done for" Perfect. Lee Grant did such a good job in every detail in this episode.
@@ronmackinnon9374 No - that's not a tiny flash. Look closely at 3:59. Just for a second after it registers with her that that's "the" suitcase. Wonderfully done.
What’s amazing about this is that this is exactly how Sauron was defeated. He had no conscience and couldn’t conceive the idea someone would destroy the one ring and give up that power.
Early after the reboot of Superman, Lex Luthor was flat out told via computer analysis that Superman was Clark Kent. He disregarded it and fired everyone involved because he couldn't accept that someone with the power of Superman would choose to live as an ordinary man.
Sharp waitress. She probably saw the two talking, a package comes by, the woman walks out escorted by two other men. I don't think she had to do a lot of figuring to connect the dots, and the badge sealed it.
The "waitress scene" I'll always remember is in "The Bye-Bye Sky High I.Q. Murder Case." Jamie Lee Curtis in one of her very first acting roles and she completely steals the scene!
Absolutely. If someone close to me was murdered ( God forbid knock on wood ) and I could have anyone investigate to catch the person it would be Columbo hands down !
When I first saw this episode, I was 12 years old, and I had a crush on Patricia Mattick, who played Margaret. There was something about her look that did it for me. She passed away in 2003, RIP.
That 'Ohhh' by Lee Grant when she realises that's she finally been caught by Columbo is so pitch perfect. The whole scene is so brilliant and satisfying with two worthy adversaries playing cat and mouse with such cut glass civility. Lee Grant and of course Peter Falk were perfectly matched as two fantastically talented actors.
Decades earlier, Lee Grant had been blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Peter Falk had tried to join the CIA about the same time but he had joined some leftist trade union while in the merchant marine and this caused his application to be rejected. After that he became an actor.
...and her "Get to the point! Common, get to the point!" just before that, which is the only time in the entire episode where she breaks, because she was cool as a cucumber with Columbo until that moment.
@Maximillian Wylde And some 7-12 later, Benedict would play two great characters: Lt. Starbuck in "Battlestar Galactica" and, of course, the suave, smooth-talking con man Templeton "the Faceman" Peck in "The A-Team".
I did not appreciate Columbo when my folks were showing me the later series in the 90's as much as I do now watching the original series. I get it now. This was winking, (squinting) throwback TV, to not only gumshoe 50's detective stories but also a style of TV-show from that era, the dramatic anthology programs that later became known as the "Golden Age of Television" that Peter Falk had been apart of as a younger actor. Someone came up with the perfect vehicle for him to show off his talents. And the writing and acting is top notch. What a gem of a show, can't believe it took me this long.
Your perspective about the Columbo series in the 90's is valid, as I recall a TV critic for the TV Guide Magazine, when reviewing the 90's series, said that it lacked a certain polish and panache when compared to the 1970's series.
Excellent. Her line readings, voice modulation, how at the table, her eyes show her arrogance, then shock, then defeat - it's a masterclass of acting, just using her face and voice.
Two EXTREMELY talented actors making it work - the surprise is that Lee's even more talented than she's beautiful - she totally sells the whole charming sociopath thing - they made a great team on this episode, I wish she wrote more about it in her biography.
Something to note about Columbo (I'm sure we've all subconsciously noted it; that's why we like him so much): all his subjects are rich, successful, and usually beautiful. They have it all. But he never, ever shows the least sign of resentment. He's truly happy and content with who he is and what he does. Though he uses them as props sometimes, all the talk about his wife and extended family is genuine. He has love in his life--something Sherlock Holmes didn't--and he often pities the less vicious of the murderers because in some way they did it because they didn't have what he has.
Holmes had plenty of love in his life, Watson, Lestrade, Mrs Hudson and Billy were his closest allies and Mycroft in his laconic way too. We're given a picture of Holmes through Watson's lonely lens of hero worship and it colours who Holmes really is.
@@folkloreofbeing He's highly respected, yes. But there's definitely a sense of loneliness and incompleteness about him. I think that's the fascination about him in contrast to Columbo. Columbo is basically a very hard working normal guy who achieves excellence by always doing his homework. But off work, he's as contented and average as can be. Holmes obviously works hard too, but it's his genius that we marvel at, and it isolates him from others. Aside from work he's tormented and unfulfilled. And I think that appeals to the misunderstood part of us
@@nicholasschroeder3678 You know, I listen to the Sherlock stories being narrated EVERY night, and this subject has been on my mind for a very long time. Even made it as a few sentences of script. I did write a long comment to show you why I thought your idea wasn't so, but it's now the first paragraph of the script, so thank you for being a muse!
If you read my opening text to this series, I based my personality beginning in my early 20's like Columbo. At the end, I got my adversaries all the time because they under estimated me.
@@TheNetwealth1 it was almost always a wealthy person who thought because they earned more than lieutenant Colombo that they were smarter in every way. Only in real life do these people get away with all sorts of crimes and it's the poor people who pay the price. only on TV and in the movies do the criminals get what they deserve.
The on screen detective of all on screen detectives. The absolute best. How I miss Peter Falk as Columbo. Yes, we all knew that Columbo would get his man/woman. But the processes he used to corner and finally convict the murderer are legendary. 'Just one more thing......', that statement is legendary too. It could only come from the mouth of the greatest detective the screen has ever known. RIP Peter Falk. As good today as you ever were, and remembered.
The game was up the moment she paid that hush money. This woman could never have physically run from the law anyway, her little victory lap just saved time.
@@r0bw00d I agree. I didn't take it as an insult any more than the Red Dragon quote: "Hannibal Lecter: Then, by implication, you think you're smarter than I am, since it was you who caught me. Will Graham: No, I know I'm not smarter than you. Hannibal Lecter: Then how did you catch me? Will Graham: You had... disadvantages. Hannibal Lecter: What disadvantages? Will Graham: You're insane." Columbo rarely got angry with suspects, often was courteous, and sometimes showed empathy for what drove them to murder.
One of the best Columbo's of all time, which is quite an accomplishment since it was the first episode after the pilot. Brilliant casting at every level. But one of the most "unsung" elements in this story is the MUSIC!!! Billy Goldenberg composed the best leitmotif of any Columbo episode with a haunting melody that worked across an array of arrangements and set the moods from the murder to the funeral to the air flights to the inevitable arrest. I have not seen any episode of any series from that time where the music was as essential to the story telling as the script and the actors like in this episode! They also had a great cinematographer as shown by the eerie way Williams's eyes transition into the headlights of her car as she drives back from disposing of his body. Every aspect of this episode was top shelf.
This is my favorite episode for many reasons. First I had crush on the actress as a kid (I'm weird like that) but mainly on how Columbo used her arrogance against her. To be honest I didn't realize that Columbo was in the dark until the daughter met him and pushed the issue about her suspicions. Even though he had little details of evidence but nothing conclusive, the daughter was the push he needed to see the case through. My take away, "if you want something done right, don't do it yourself; its ok to get some help". Lastly, how scary is it that in 1971 a glass of root beer and sherry was $1.10. How much would that cost in 2021?
What got me was not that he didn't use the cash in the briefcase for the bill, but that he politely stood when the murder suspect was took off. Almost always polite to the last... and the briefcase bit was funny too
The thing about Columbo, there was always a Twilight Zonish feeling to the best of the series. Was there really a "Mrs. Columbo"? Why did he always wear the raincoat, even in hot Southern California? Why, with his genius level mind, did he work as a $25k per year Detective? Was he even human? The best episodes really play up this Twilight Zone feel, this one included.
Seeing that Mrs Columbo and him went on a Cruise together in one episode and not only was he looking for her at one point but people were saying that she’s a lovely person there is a Mrs Columbo. But all we know is that there is a Mrs Columbo and that’s it. We don’t know what his family looks like except that there’s a male relative allegedly named George (Requiem for a Falling Star). He likes to talk about relatives but we don’t know if any of them actually exist. I think that he does have kids since he mentions them to people that he’s not investigating.
I'm pretty sure that he just loved his job and didn't mind the low pay. He also might have understated his salary. And the coat was part of his tactic when dealing with suspects.
This is one of my favorite episodes. The woman who played Leslie did a really good job of portraying an evil, self-confident murderer, and the way he catches her in the end -- a suitcase full of money with recorded serial numbers proving that she was the kidnapper -- was just perfect. Only a few of the other episodes had such a perfect ending. When Leslie sat down in the restaurant with Columbo, she thought she had gotten off scot-free, but after the drinks came, Columbo turned the tables on her. And the actress played it perfectly by looking severely disappointed, but didn't fall apart.
Columbo is the greatest detective of all time. Sherlock Holmes comes a close second. When I watch these clips I realise how lucky we were to have this every week. Magnificent entertainment.
I like Columbo because he's more realistic. Not in the way of how police work is actually done (detectives never work by themselves for one), but by the fact that his sense of deduction is believable, through patience and letting contradictions in a suspect's story accumulate. Holmes is about as realistic as Superman.
@@BeastNationXIV I love Vince D'Onofrio (for Law and Order: Criminal Intent). It my very favorite one and when he left I stopped after awhile. But the entire series is must see tv. However I wanted to see him. (lol)
Kind of ironic that this and Prescription Murder are my two favourite eps. Two of the most well-thought out murders by highly intellectual and arrogant people.
Fantastic acting as ever always polite well mannered in the way he addresses the criminal, that was funny sitting there with all that money and he was searching all his pockets for a Dollar his innocence and charm is very engaging 👍😁👌
My god Lee Grant was so beautiful with that flaming red hair. I first saw her in one of my all time favourite horror films "Damian, Omen 2". A really good actress and a deeply attractive woman.
Absolutely agree. She has a face I know I could hardly ever take my eyes off. But, weird thing is that last night I watched Airport '77 with her as one of leading roles, and now YT recommends me this video??? I didn't even know her name. Crazy, huh?
@@wilhelmlll679 I would have said Trish Van Devere in "Make Me A Perfect Murder" was the prettiest killer Columbo ever arrested but I suppose everybody is different.
One of the brilliance of this show is that unlike conventional murder mystery "Who done it?" stories - the killer is known by the audience right away in the first act. Even Columbo usually has a hunch and knows who did it in the first act as well. Yet the audience is captivated and glued to the TV until the very end to see how Columbo cleverly proves who the killer is in an ingenious trap.
After seeing all these clips I decided to start watching the whole thing. I just finished this episode, the second of two pilots. A great show. I love Peter Falk as Columbo. No one else could do this role better. I still also, loved him in It's A Mad Mad Mad World. He was one of the cab drivers
@@marklennox2151 I will look into it. I did though enjoy Peter Falk in the movie It's A Mad Mad World. He was one of the Cab drivers. He was on the pay phone when two locked in the store Basement. I just started Mc Millan and Wife tonight
Love both of the movies and have seen them many times. "It's a mad mad mad world" for decades was aired on German tv every New Year's night. Dubbed of course as customary in Germany, but very well done. Great cast, including Spencer Tracy. The Race around the world similarly was often on German tv on holidays. These and many other classics have vanished from tv programmes with their publishing on DVD, alas.
@@ronmackinnon9374 Fortunately my OTT platform recently started to provide 24/7 series allowing me to watch Columbo 24/7 starting from S01E01. I just have to leave the channel on and season 1 to I think 10 repeats all day long through out the week. I must thank the person who thought of offering 24/7 series channel because I also get Knight Rider, the Old Hawaii Five O, Miami Vice, Grimm and so many more of my favourite TV shows except Supernatural. For that, I have to subscribe to video on demand which I have.
This 1971 "NBC Mystery Movie" is my favorite of Lee Grant's performances. For it "she was nominated for an Emmy as Outstanding Lead Actress - Miniseries or a Movie."
@@patrickjohnson5658 I loved the Conspirators ending, and this was all before the world went digital. I can only imagine the work Columbo had to do to coordinate that bust.
The gesture she makes by touching Columbos face, was so intimate and enchanting, could be improvised by her!! I like the interaction between them two. Nowadays there is no show that can rival Columbo in any way.
Lee Grant plays this perfectly. Love how Columbo says any different than WHAT you are. And it's fun watching him watch her gloat: he really doesn't like her, and he's really going to enjoy sticking this cat in the bag.
I LOVE Columbo!!!! I was born in 1972, and remember watching Columbo when it was part of the "Sunday night mysteries" - it came on past my bedtime, so I'd lay on the floor in the hallway (the T.V. was in the family room facing the wall that the hallway was connected to..) with all my toys and watching 'til I fell asleep and subsequently discovered - resulting in "the case of the spanked little boy ".... MeTV showed Columbo for awhile on Sunday and followed it with "Monk"(my OTHER favorite detective!!)and it became bonding time for my daughter and I(she's really smart and likes clever mysteries as much as I do! Yeah, she's awesome!😸) every Sunday evening. Unfortunately, MeTV dropped both shows and we STILL complain about it. Maybe if enough people write in to MeTV, they'll resurrect Columbo/Monk Sundays!! Hint, hint!😸
@@jimbobeire Yeah, Columbia occasionally bent the procedural rules to solve a case, but he was too scrupulously honest to steal. This isn't the only time the writers put him under the temptation to do something stereotypically crooked, and he always did the right thing.
That money was evidence in a murder case! Using ANY of it would taint the evidence! It must be checked into the legal evidence system EXACTLY as it was received or her lawyer could challenge it.
Yet another great ending from a great show. And 1 of the most hilarious endings. Here he is standing next to a loaded briefcase full of cash, cash in hand, yet he cant find a buck 10 for the drinks. On top of that he has to borrow a pen to sign for them... Lol classic.
Lee Grant is currently 98yo, and she was still acting as recently as 3 years ago, what a legend!
RIP Peter Falk, another legend.
Irony that she is alive and Columbo and Margaret's actress aren't
@@llarmstrong783 Sadly Margaret (Pattye Mattick ) passed away in 2003 at only 52...
@@edpor68I hate that.
what is there to hate?
@@llarmstrong783
@@edpor68 cancer. When Columbo was on the MeTV network, I would watch and wiki/ IMDb the episode. I saw that the actress that played Margret had died young from cancer. So sad.
I love the comic irony, of having a case full of money on the table, and he can't pay the $1.10 bill, this series was so well written.
I love it, it shows that even if he could take the easier route and use that, he wouldn't, He's a good man and wouldn't steal and misuse what is evidence in a court case.
This is called integrity. Many ppl nowadays lack this.
@@kevint1160 the fact that some one would put an emphasis on this scene in the comments means that he/she thinks so as well
😂 😃 😄 😅
I agree. It looks very odd to have a bag of banknotes and he tells the waitress that he can not pay. And the waitress is very relaxed in this case. I wonder if he ever enjoyed the root beer.
One of his best lines. "Did it ever occur to you that there are very few people who would take money to forget about a murder? "
One tiny little detail in retrospect shows that: the girl is getting into the gate all the way, not hinting at all that it wasa setup, but the killer left earlier, she didn't watch her go all the way. The policemen were doing all their precautions, but the lady was so convinced, she wasn't even bothered that it might be some sort of entrapment, she left earlier. That's something that comes back harder when you hear Columbo saying that "she has no conscience".
@@EudesConhecido True.
The main problem is that more often than you may think, people are desperate for money. This could have set that girl up for life. Even if the 1970's wasn't as bad as today, in terms of cash, far less people would turn on her than this show implies. Greed slightly hurts the concept of an 'absolute catch' of the murderer.
@@f1videowatcher939 The girl will get the money, and the entire estate, when her step-mother is convicted of murder.
@@grf15 You could be right, or wrong. If the stepmother has no Will, or another benefactor, it is not guaranteed the estate goes to her. The show never says who the main benefactor is, for relevancy reasons. There could be a court battle due to the size of the estate. She is also a stepmother and not a direct family connection. These are all things that make me not want to be a fly on the wall, to listen to, when they would go through them.
I like it when Columbo dumps the newspaper as they walk into the cafe. ‘I don’t need this prop anymore!’
PROP, i learn a new english word, thank you😊
@@crisprtalk6963 I thought it was a sexual proposition
Hi
@@pierrepinson2906 wholesome :)
Fake news ,nothing is what it seems
“ you undercover “ ?
“No ! I’m underpaid “ was a great line in one of the episodes .
Candidate for Crime
He was infact under paid in real life
Another great line was when someone offered to help him find something "well, 3 eyes are better than one"
A key thing in this scene is the fact that it is one of the few times Columbo seems to acknowledge his intelligence. After saying to him "you're very lucky lieutenant" she corrects herself and says "congratulations, you're very smart". His response of "so are you" shows that, despite his frequent claims of being lucky, or getting the answer from some mysterious relative, or just plain working harder than other (which he no doubt did), he knows he is, in fact, very intelligent.
Him saying that he's just lucky, a dumb gumshoe etc. is usually part of his act to make the perps underestimate him. He very deliberately acts like a bumpkin to get people's guards down. It's during the final arrest that the pretense is dropped.
Wow, good point! I never noticed that bit before. You're right, he normally just downplays his own intelligence, skills, work ethic, etc.
@@Zambicus even then he often barely let's slip that he's that clever. Dude uses humility as a weapon
This was a pilot for the first series and officially not even episode 1 when you search! Perhaps they decided to make small changes to character. We love it either way!
His ruse is playing dumb. He knows he very much isn't and no longer had a reason to play the part. He got his perp.
That "Goodbye Leslie."
Margaret knew it meant something different than it sounded. She was giddy, and all too happy to tell her step-mother "goodbye".
To prison. She is there now. The actress is still alive, so maybe the character is too.
That ending says everything that needs to be said about Columbo. Standing with a giant briefcase of money, he still does it the honorable way. Columbo is never trying to take the shortcut. And that's why, at the end of the day, there is no shadow of a doubt.
Absolutely!!! Have more respect for him after watching that scene, but if he tried to pay $1.25 with a $100 bill,it would be hard to get the change LOL . Better send the check to LAPD,and not touch the ransom money
@@mkassis713 😹True, true.
I know, right?
@@mkassis713 Absolutely
Well in several of the later episodes, when he can't get enough real evidence, he uses fake evidence to trick the suspects or their alibi witnesses into confessing or giving away real evidence.
A glass of Sherry and a root beer for a dollar and ten.. At an international airport..
😀
Good old days..
I was going to be a smartass, but that's $7 adjusted for inflation, which is still cheap as all get out.
Back then only classy people hang out at aiports. Flying was so expensive.
Classy people and Columbo....
I think this was the late 60s early 70s
@@kelsohunt460 1971
At 1:23 you can clearly see a large Santa Claus figure standing in a shop as the camera pans.
This scene was clearly shot around Christmas. The interesting thing is that there were no actual
Columbo episodes set during Christmas time. This might be the nearest we ever got to one.
Good spot!
Yea, I miss watching shows that don't create some silly xmas special. You'll note that there was never a dance musical in this show either.
@@drakekay6577 You “miss” NOT seeing something that was far more common then than now? strange.
@@wellesradio :P Trolling a spelling mistake.. Lovely! :D I think its more common NOW, than it was in the past for sitcoms and tv shows to have an xmas special.
@@drakekay6577 I didn’t notice any spelling mistake. I’m not petty like that. I was just pointing out the inconsistent logic of detesting a certain practice that was more prevalent then than now and somehow using it to justify nostalgia for that era. There are plenty of reasons to like something, but that one didn’t make sense.
The best Colombo movies are the ones wherein the opposing actor possesses the theatrical acumen to stand toe-to-toe with Falk’s giant talent. Lee Grant was one of those actors.
Very well said!
Robert Conrad was another.
And Robert Vaughn
And Jack Cassidy.
@@RobXHEphotosPs37.29 - Jack Cassidy may have been the best of them all. What a brilliant actor, and gone much too soon.
"You can't conceive of anybody being any different than what you are." That is such an incredibly true statement, both of those like this person and those who are NOT like them. It's just as hard to understand those who will look the other way, pretend they don't see, ignore what's going on and benefit from it as it is for the person who is doing it to understand why others aren't willing to do so.
She is a classic psychopath.
Lee Grant played a very Smart, Upper Class Sociopath..
This is decades before all the studies of sociopath and psychopaths and very astute.
Yes, they have some really good dialog in these. Another example is in the episode, "Try and Catch Me," when Columbo is talking to "Abigail Mitchell" (Ruth Gordon) on the pier and Abigail is talking about the death of her niece (she suspects her niece's husband of murdering her and getting away with it.)
_ABIGAIL: I've been watching the sailboats_
_COLUMBO: Oh. Beautiful thing._
_A: Not to me. Like the one Phyllis was drowned on._
_C: I looked into that, ma'am. She disappeared from the boat. But the police, they don't know for a fact that she died of drowning._
_A: I didn't know the police took all that interest. It was so "officially closed."_
_C: Well, there was nothing else they could do, ma'am._
_A: No. (irritated) Nope. Nothing else._
_C: That must have been very hard losing someone you love like that. I've been very lucky. I've lost my parents, that's the way of the world. But to lose someone that young, that's like being cheated. That's very hard._
That's some great writing there.
@@SallySallySallySally And she lets him know that if HE had been on her niece's case he would have solved it.
I like where she thinks she’s outsmarted him so invites him for a drink which is what he wanted her to do the whole time. Always one step ahead of them.
He really wanted that rootbeer.
He should have let her off and gotten married with her. She has that "hot and cold" vibe that makes her completely irresistible. But then she would have gotten bored...and killed him.
@@macmcleod1188 root beer LOL
she outsmarted him, he had to pay for those drinks
@@pk-fi1ok she did,all right LOL
THIS is why there can never be a reboot of Columbo. SOme fictional characters lend themselves to new actors, but Peter Faulk IS Columbo.
TBH I would love to see reboot out of curiosity. Sean Connery was also the only James Bond until he was not.
Mark ruffalo would be a great columbo
Just watch zodiac.
Not with the current crop of incompetents currently writing in Hollywood. Colombo *requires* sharp, intelligent scripting to work. The yahoos cluttering the writing rooms today are so stupid they think a skin colour is the most interesting thing about a character, instead the least.
There’s a fan theory that you can watch “Poker Face,” and imagine that Natasha Lyonne’s character is Columbo’s granddaughter.
I think it might be possible to not reboot Columbo, but to instead introduce a new female detective who seems similar to Colombo but appears not be be related at all. The twist is that at the end of the first story it is revealed that she is Columbo's granddaughter. Due to how legendary her grandfather is (just the mention of his name makes people nervous) , she hides to her true identity so she can be considered an ordinary police detective. But she has the same sharp mind as him, and her own way of appearing to be the fool. The key would be to have a Creative Team on the same level as the one for Columbo.
I think I have seen every episode of “Columbo,” and this one is right up there with the best. My favorites are “Etude in Black,” with John Cassavetes , “Any Port in a Storm” with Donald Pleasance, and “Forgotten Lady” with Janet Leigh. I highly recommend these as must watch episodes. The series always had “A-list” guest stars. Bravo!!! RIP, Peter Falk.
I love Lovely but Lethal, Swan Song ( johnny cash) and all the rest.
And Try and catch me with Ruth Gordon.
I've worked at a major airport for over 20 years, and have been flying since I was a child. seeing the airport in this video made me nostalgic and very sad. Airports used to be fun places to be, I remember showing up like 3 hours early for my flight just to browse around and enjoy myself before getting on a plane. Now days, even though I work there, I would rather drive for 2 days than get on a 4 hour flight.
Was remarking to myself the other day of just how free the world used to be. We could do whatever we wanted, as long as we weren't lying, cheating, or stealing. I miss those days terribly.
@@miketype1each The one good thing about the new security measures was that you didn't have a wife and five kids taking up all the seats at the terminal waiting to wave daddy goodbye.
@@charlesgantz5865 Why is that a good thing? I waved to my Aunt as she was heading off to Bethesda, MD for medical treatments. We were on the tarmac. I wonder if you know how free the world was just 30 years ago. I'll wager you don't, or have forgotten. It used to be wonderful to be alive.
the patients are running the mental health facility
Well said.
The Lieutenant once told a Murderer “U planned one murder, I investigate murder Everyday for a living”
Good one
he also told a Murderer that Homicide was his specialty lol
Yes, they are all amateurs and he's a professional. I believe he said something to that affect once.
Peter Falk said in an interview that Columbo had big brains but he had to appear harmless in front of his adversaries. That made me think that that is a good advise. People tend let their guard down when they don't feel threaten.
The line was in the pilot.
This the REAL first appearance of Columbo. The feigned, sometimes not, absent mindedness and the total ruthlessness are on display. Lee Grant puts in a brilliant performance as the amoral killer. Thank you for uploading this video.
Yes, the character changed quite a bit from the pilot. This was the start of Columbo developing into someone the audience would root for.
@grf15 Yeah, Prescription: Murder, while it was good, just didn't define the Columbo we know.
Yet another Columbo clip I’m going to watch a million times for the rest of my life and never get sick of.
Buy the series on DVD. All 69 episodes in glorious 480p. But at least you have everything. Pretty cheap, too.
@@Argumemnon Yes, I have had them for years.
I have some Columbo episodes on DVD and they look very sharp and crisp more like 720p even on a large 55 inch TV. I play them on a Blu-Ray player which also applies HD upscaling to regular DVD's.
@@patrickjohnson5658 Same here. The nicest gift my ex mother in law ever gave me was the Columbo series DVDs
spot on
3:59 That tiny flash of utter dismay, after she shakes her head: "I know I'm done for" Perfect. Lee Grant did such a good job in every detail in this episode.
4:16, you mean?
@@ronmackinnon9374 No - that's not a tiny flash. Look closely at 3:59. Just for a second after it registers with her that that's "the" suitcase. Wonderfully done.
@@anyviolet OK. It's just that in your first comment, you had said it was after she shakes her head, and there's no head shake there.
The quick glance at the airplane as if to say- "I was so close".
What’s amazing about this is that this is exactly how Sauron was defeated. He had no conscience and couldn’t conceive the idea someone would destroy the one ring and give up that power.
Like in B5. "What do you want?" To sacrifice myself, in the hope of saving billions of others from you. It never entered into the equation.
Excellent comparison.
"Absolute power does NOT corrupt absolutely. Absolute power attracts the corruptible." - Frank Herbert
No one did give up the power, so he was right about that. It was destroyed precisely bechause noone wanted to give up the ring.
Early after the reboot of Superman, Lex Luthor was flat out told via computer analysis that Superman was Clark Kent. He disregarded it and fired everyone involved because he couldn't accept that someone with the power of Superman would choose to live as an ordinary man.
The waitress looking at the briefcase full of money and Columbo left his wallet in his other pants asking if he could sign for it fantastic
Sharp waitress. She probably saw the two talking, a package comes by, the woman walks out escorted by two other men. I don't think she had to do a lot of figuring to connect the dots, and the badge sealed it.
I've tried telling waitresses I forgot my wallet and asking if I can sign for my meal. Nope! 😅
The "waitress scene" I'll always remember is in "The Bye-Bye Sky High I.Q. Murder Case." Jamie Lee Curtis in one of her very first acting roles and she completely steals the scene!
I still belive columbo was the best detective on the TV
Absolutely. If someone close to me was murdered ( God forbid knock on wood ) and I could have anyone investigate to catch the person it would be Columbo hands down !
I’m an Investigator & my cop buddies & I always debate the best tv show sleuths. He may be 2ned by Det. Bobby Gorin L&E criminal intent
@@glenndoleberry8418 My 2nd would be Monk.
@@glenndoleberry8418 Yes!!! Kingpin from the Daredevil series.. :D HE is freaking awesome!!!! I love his cadence in speech.
He is. Hands down
One of the best scenes in all the seasons. SUCH a satisfying ending.
And in the first episode after the pilot, too. Sets the tone of the series just right.
This was actually the second pilot.
Ça suffit maintenant C.
I didnt like the way Columbo got stuck with the bill
Lets appreciate how talented both Lee Grant and Peter Falk are .
Yes, let's.
Definitely.
When I first saw this episode, I was 12 years old, and I had a crush on Patricia Mattick, who played Margaret. There was something about her look that did it for me. She passed away in 2003, RIP.
She was only 52
Those legs. :)
Imagine going through all of that and still being able to say "Forgive the charade about the briefcase..." respect like this is amazing.
What helps keep these episodes timeless: no dated mood music to cue us how we should feel. Here, plus two old pros from the New York theater.
That 'Ohhh' by Lee Grant when she realises that's she finally been caught by Columbo is so pitch perfect. The whole scene is so brilliant and satisfying with two worthy adversaries playing cat and mouse with such cut glass civility. Lee Grant and of course Peter Falk were perfectly matched as two fantastically talented actors.
Decades earlier, Lee Grant had been blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Peter Falk had tried to join the CIA about the same time but he had joined some leftist trade union while in the merchant marine and this caused his application to be rejected. After that he became an actor.
Lee Grant is still alive, aged 98yo.
...and her "Get to the point! Common, get to the point!" just before that, which is the only time in the entire episode where she breaks, because she was cool as a cucumber with Columbo until that moment.
“It seemed like a nutty idea to everybody, I know it did to my wife.”
Underrated line.
I was just about to quote that myself. Columbo, always finding a way to bring up his wife!
Peter Falk nailed that character, he was Columbo.
@Maximillian Wylde Dirk is a great guy in reality and acting 😊 not the typical Hollywood hey look at me show off type,He's a stand up guy
@Maximillian Wylde And some 7-12 later, Benedict would play two great characters: Lt. Starbuck in "Battlestar Galactica" and, of course, the suave, smooth-talking con man Templeton "the Faceman" Peck in "The A-Team".
It’s true: nobody else even came close.
@Maximillian Wylde Thomas Mitchell was the first to play Columbo in the stage play Prescription Murder in 1962.
The role he was born to play.
I never get tired of watching this episode after all these years! The psychological banter is so delicious.
Columbo at the table wondering how he's gonna pay for the drinks and meanwhile he's sitting on a million dollars lol.
He can't pay with evidence.
How dare you Trebore Mint, Columbo isn`t some scumbag embezzler ;)
@@RoderickEtheria Yes, that’s the joke.
Not quite ... $25K in 1971 would be worth about $183,000 in 2022.
@@DarthAverage I get $175K. But who would quibble over $8,000? Give it a few more months! 😱
I love the look on all of the villains’ faces when they realize Columbo nailed them.
Most actually congratulate Columbo
@@llarmstrong783 They know they’ve been beaten.
Most of them dont seem that upset lol
This episode is now 50 years old... Scary
Even scarier, Lee Grant is 94!
Age doesn't diminish it
I watch the same episodes for sentimental reasons, the locations, the characters, and Peter Falk.
Incredible, that everything in this movie, every scene and prop is 50 years old now.
@@Gera1713 👍👍
The only thing scary is the extremely high level of acting and talent with this series. Always timeless.
I did not appreciate Columbo when my folks were showing me the later series in the 90's as much as I do now watching the original series. I get it now. This was winking, (squinting) throwback TV, to not only gumshoe 50's detective stories but also a style of TV-show from that era, the dramatic anthology programs that later became known as the "Golden Age of Television" that Peter Falk had been apart of as a younger actor. Someone came up with the perfect vehicle for him to show off his talents. And the writing and acting is top notch. What a gem of a show, can't believe it took me this long.
Your perspective about the Columbo series in the 90's is valid, as I recall a TV critic for the TV Guide Magazine, when reviewing the 90's series, said that it lacked a certain polish and panache when compared to the 1970's series.
Lee Grant is such an excellent actress and I love this Columbo-film so much.
Yes
Excellent. Her line readings, voice modulation, how at the table, her eyes show her arrogance, then shock, then defeat - it's a masterclass of acting, just using her face and voice.
Yes, and she's so pretty - yet so cold.
I’m fascinated now- what other movies has she been in?
You've got to call them 'actors' these days. God knows why - some feminist thing.
Two EXTREMELY talented actors making it work - the surprise is that Lee's even more talented than she's beautiful - she totally sells the whole charming sociopath thing - they made a great team on this episode, I wish she wrote more about it in her biography.
I agree she play a very Hot looking, Intelligent, Sociiopath.
Something to note about Columbo (I'm sure we've all subconsciously noted it; that's why we like him so much): all his subjects are rich, successful, and usually beautiful. They have it all. But he never, ever shows the least sign of resentment. He's truly happy and content with who he is and what he does. Though he uses them as props sometimes, all the talk about his wife and extended family is genuine. He has love in his life--something Sherlock Holmes didn't--and he often pities the less vicious of the murderers because in some way they did it because they didn't have what he has.
Very wise.
Holmes had plenty of love in his life, Watson, Lestrade, Mrs Hudson and Billy were his closest allies and Mycroft in his laconic way too. We're given a picture of Holmes through Watson's lonely lens of hero worship and it colours who Holmes really is.
@@folkloreofbeing He's highly respected, yes. But there's definitely a sense of loneliness and incompleteness about him. I think that's the fascination about him in contrast to Columbo. Columbo is basically a very hard working normal guy who achieves excellence by always doing his homework. But off work, he's as contented and average as can be. Holmes obviously works hard too, but it's his genius that we marvel at, and it isolates him from others. Aside from work he's tormented and unfulfilled. And I think that appeals to the misunderstood part of us
@@nicholasschroeder3678 You know, I listen to the Sherlock stories being narrated EVERY night, and this subject has been on my mind for a very long time. Even made it as a few sentences of script. I did write a long comment to show you why I thought your idea wasn't so, but it's now the first paragraph of the script, so thank you for being a muse!
@@folkloreofbeing Music to my ears🎻
"You're very lucky Lieutenant... No, you're very smart' Lieutenant Columbo gets em every time!!! 🙂
If you read my opening text to this series, I based my personality beginning in my early 20's like Columbo. At the end, I got my adversaries all the time because they under estimated me.
@@TheNetwealth1 it was almost always a wealthy person who thought because they earned more than lieutenant Colombo that they were smarter in every way. Only in real life do these people get away with all sorts of crimes and it's the poor people who pay the price. only on TV and in the movies do the criminals get what they deserve.
The on screen detective of all on screen detectives. The absolute best. How I miss Peter Falk as Columbo. Yes, we all knew that Columbo would get his man/woman. But the processes he used to corner and finally convict the murderer are legendary. 'Just one more thing......', that statement is legendary too. It could only come from the mouth of the greatest detective the screen has ever known. RIP Peter Falk. As good today as you ever were, and remembered.
I can’t express how much I love this show. The theatrical format, the well written battles of wits, the tension, the resolution… it’s perfect.
Lee Grant. What a classy actress. Oscar winner. See her turn in Plaza Suite opposite Walter Matthau, wonderful stuff.
One of the best episodes ever. Great actress and mother of the wonderful Marty in Grease. Those two have great genes!
She just had to do her little victory lap. The moment she saw him standing there she should have ran in the other direction.
The game was up the moment she paid that hush money. This woman could never have physically run from the law anyway, her little victory lap just saved time.
*should have run
Or flew to Brazil!
Best insult Columbo has ever said, in the most polite way.
Columbo truly had class. Absolutely.
Columbo doesn't insult. When he compliments, he means it.
Columbo is the master of the game cat and mouse. He enjoys toying with his prey until they hang themselves ✌
@@r0bw00d I agree. I didn't take it as an insult any more than the Red Dragon quote:
"Hannibal Lecter: Then, by implication, you think you're smarter than I am, since it was you who caught me.
Will Graham: No, I know I'm not smarter than you.
Hannibal Lecter: Then how did you catch me?
Will Graham: You had... disadvantages.
Hannibal Lecter: What disadvantages?
Will Graham: You're insane."
Columbo rarely got angry with suspects, often was courteous, and sometimes showed empathy for what drove them to murder.
@@r0bw00d Telling someone that they have no conscience is an insult, not a compliment.
I love Lee Grant in this episode. Really wish they had brought her back for another appearance. Great actress!!
How Leslie's expression changes when Columbo starts talking about the ransom! Fantastic acting! 👏
He stands as she gets up - despite her being a killer he still shows manners.
"Having no conscience limits your imagination. You can't conceive of anybody being any different than what you are."
Profound words
Love how Marg says GOODBYE Leslie 😄
With a smirk
Pattye, Pattye, Pattye 💐👩🏻🦰👓
Pattye Mattick was awesome, gone so soon....😞
@@videosofpattyemattick6569 Only 52
@@samkohen4589 1951-2003 😞💐
One of the best Columbo's of all time, which is quite an accomplishment since it was the first episode after the pilot. Brilliant casting at every level. But one of the most "unsung" elements in this story is the MUSIC!!! Billy Goldenberg composed the best leitmotif of any Columbo episode with a haunting melody that worked across an array of arrangements and set the moods from the murder to the funeral to the air flights to the inevitable arrest. I have not seen any episode of any series from that time where the music was as essential to the story telling as the script and the actors like in this episode! They also had a great cinematographer as shown by the eerie way Williams's eyes transition into the headlights of her car as she drives back from disposing of his body. Every aspect of this episode was top shelf.
This is my favorite episode for many reasons. First I had crush on the actress as a kid (I'm weird like that) but mainly on how Columbo used her arrogance against her. To be honest I didn't realize that Columbo was in the dark until the daughter met him and pushed the issue about her suspicions. Even though he had little details of evidence but nothing conclusive, the daughter was the push he needed to see the case through. My take away, "if you want something done right, don't do it yourself; its ok to get some help". Lastly, how scary is it that in 1971 a glass of root beer and sherry was $1.10. How much would that cost in 2021?
Absolutely nothing wrong w/having a crush on the fabulous Lee Grant -- At any age! 😉
Don't think Columbo was in the dark. He was suspicious from the beginning. Down to when he checked the locker at the airport
1.10$ at the airport! Imagine how little in a bar.
Considering the hyperinflation since 1971, that root beer would probably about $20 today.
@@OldFartFilms Not many like her these days :(
What got me was not that he didn't use the cash in the briefcase for the bill, but that he politely stood when the murder suspect was took off. Almost always polite to the last... and the briefcase bit was funny too
The thing about Columbo, there was always a Twilight Zonish feeling to the best of the series. Was there really a "Mrs. Columbo"? Why did he always wear the raincoat, even in hot Southern California? Why, with his genius level mind, did he work as a $25k per year Detective? Was he even human? The best episodes really play up this Twilight Zone feel, this one included.
The creators wanted him to emerge from the ether and return to the ether. It was very deliberate.
Columbo is a wizard. His role is the same as Gandalf or Sherlock Holmes. Just as the other person said, appearing from and into the ether.
Seeing that Mrs Columbo and him went on a Cruise together in one episode and not only was he looking for her at one point but people were saying that she’s a lovely person there is a Mrs Columbo.
But all we know is that there is a Mrs Columbo and that’s it.
We don’t know what his family looks like except that there’s a male relative allegedly named George (Requiem for a Falling Star).
He likes to talk about relatives but we don’t know if any of them actually exist.
I think that he does have kids since he mentions them to people that he’s not investigating.
Early on we learn he makes a little more than $10,000 a year. But this was around 1971.
I'm pretty sure that he just loved his job and didn't mind the low pay. He also might have understated his salary.
And the coat was part of his tactic when dealing with suspects.
This is one of my favorite episodes. The woman who played Leslie did a really good job of portraying an evil, self-confident murderer, and the way he catches her in the end -- a suitcase full of money with recorded serial numbers proving that she was the kidnapper -- was just perfect. Only a few of the other episodes had such a perfect ending. When Leslie sat down in the restaurant with Columbo, she thought she had gotten off scot-free, but after the drinks came, Columbo turned the tables on her. And the actress played it perfectly by looking severely disappointed, but didn't fall apart.
Love Lee Grant. Amazing actress in everything she's done. Definitely one of the best Columbo episodes as well.
She was great in every part she played - AND she is still with us with 96!
I loved her in, In The Heat Of The Night!
"Just one more thing..." - You know you're toast if he ever were to say that to you.
Lol right
Columbo is the greatest detective of all time. Sherlock Holmes comes a close second. When I watch these clips I realise how lucky we were to have this every week. Magnificent entertainment.
Columbo was great but Sherlock Holmes is in a different class. He's a genius and the greatest literary detective of all time.
@@YoRon427 Sherlock Holmes, Frank Columbo, and Adrian Monk. My top 3✌
@@kenworthh9776 I was going to mention Monk but you beat me to it.
I like Columbo because he's more realistic. Not in the way of how police work is actually done (detectives never work by themselves for one), but by the fact that his sense of deduction is believable, through patience and letting contradictions in a suspect's story accumulate. Holmes is about as realistic as Superman.
Holmes is nowhere near. However, he was the first of the ‘smart’ detectives in the world of fiction, so he has a place
I just purchased the entire series, and actually watched this one tonight.
You just got to love this guy . There will never be a better Columbo like Peter Falk .
They tried with Vince D'Onofrio (for Law and Order: Criminal Intent), but Columbo is the all time great.
@@BeastNationXIV I love Vince D'Onofrio (for Law and Order: Criminal Intent). It my very favorite one and when he left I stopped after awhile. But the entire series is must see tv. However I wanted to see him. (lol)
This was before the days of narcissist and psychopath became popular. Just no conscience...says it all.
Hey, I just never get tired of watching Lt. Columbo !! Man, he is just so cool !!!
Kind of ironic that this and Prescription Murder are my two favourite eps. Two of the most well-thought out murders by highly intellectual and arrogant people.
So where does the irony come into play?
@@r0bw00d Oh. Iirc, prescription murder and ransom for a dead man were the first two (Falk starring) Columbo episodes.
@@laedwards49 I'm still scratching my head. You haven't introduced any irony.
@@r0bw00d No point stressing about it my friend.
@@laedwards49 Asking for clarification isn't the same as being stressed. If you don't want to answer, then that's fine.
Fantastic acting as ever always polite well mannered in the way he addresses the criminal, that was funny sitting there with all that money and he was searching all his pockets for a Dollar his innocence and charm is very engaging 👍😁👌
Yes, people don't appreciate how good *Columbo* is at acting.
I am watching the series now and so far this is my favorite episode. The killer was too clever for her own good but they usually are.
Peter Faulk mastered his Columbo role. All of his movies are excellent. A great actor.
Only a delusional person would try and attempt it now
@@RTG1031 Mark Ruffalo held talks I think
Falk
@@ssssssssssssssssss50 ohhh i think he could do it.
She buys a drink to toast her success in his face, and doesn't wanna finish it after she's realized she's lost.
It's the little touches
The writing. The acting. Everything about it was so good.
Lee Grant was drop-dead gorgeous in this episode. Just breathtaking.
I love that ending where the waitress is just staring at this briefcase full of money while Columbo fumbles around for $1.10
My god Lee Grant was so beautiful with that flaming red hair. I first saw her in one of my all time favourite horror films "Damian, Omen 2". A really good actress and a deeply attractive woman.
Absolutely agree. She has a face I know I could hardly ever take my eyes off. But, weird thing is that last night I watched Airport '77 with her as one of leading roles, and now YT recommends me this video??? I didn't even know her name. Crazy, huh?
She was in IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT ... a great film
I first saw Lee in Peyton Place.
Yeah but she is tableña. Dont have nada por delante.
Lee Grant was a beauty back in the day.
couple of plastic operations later though :(
The prettiest killer Columbo ever arrested.
@@wilhelmlll679 I would have said Trish Van Devere in "Make Me A Perfect Murder" was the prettiest killer Columbo ever arrested but I suppose everybody is different.
@@martinfinn1550 that's right, some may say it was Faye Dunaway, Ruth Gordon or this guy from Cheers. 😃🤘best wishes
@@martinfinn1550 No way ,she has a forehead the size of the governor of Michigan.
Lee Grant and Patricia Mattick were both wonderful here
the most unbelievable moment is how fast those drinks were served
Almost as fast as the meals are served in Louie's restaurant in the Godfather.
I love the 70's obsession with wood paneling, even in airports apparently. So cosy!
There he is, waiting. Love it. Her most unguarded moment
"You're incapable of conceiving that only a few people would accept money to forget a murder."
One of the brilliance of this show is that unlike conventional murder mystery "Who done it?" stories - the killer is known by the audience right away in the first act. Even Columbo usually has a hunch and knows who did it in the first act as well. Yet the audience is captivated and glued to the TV until the very end to see how Columbo cleverly proves who the killer is in an ingenious trap.
After seeing all these clips I decided to start watching the whole thing. I just finished this episode, the second of two pilots. A great show. I love Peter Falk as Columbo. No one else could do this role better. I still also, loved him in It's A Mad Mad Mad World. He was one of the cab drivers
You should check him out in The Great Race where he plays the trusty assistant to Professor Fate played by Jack Lemmon. Absolutely hilarious.
@@marklennox2151 I will look into it. I did though enjoy Peter Falk in the movie It's A Mad Mad World. He was one of the Cab drivers. He was on the pay phone when two locked in the store Basement. I just started Mc Millan and Wife tonight
Love both of the movies and have seen them many times. "It's a mad mad mad world" for decades was aired on German tv every New Year's night. Dubbed of course as customary in Germany, but very well done. Great cast, including Spencer Tracy. The Race around the world similarly was often on German tv on holidays. These and many other classics have vanished from tv programmes with their publishing on DVD, alas.
LG was SUCH A BEAUTY!!!
Best channel on the Internet just to sit and watch this with my dad many years ago great stuff
Not having a conscience, can be very bad. For you.
Words to be regretted, "ya'know, I'm gonna miss you Lieutenant with all your little details".
I purchased all Columbo Episodes. This is my favourite.
This was my favorite episode as well. I like the one with the Fake Mentalist/Magician.
That should be I like that one as well. It was a later Season Episode
@@HoldenNY22 Now You See Him S5E5.
@@loriannwhite8384 - Thank You for the Info.
Weird, the agent over the intercom says, " flight 64 to Honolulu!" I was born in 1964 in Honolulu haha, trippy!
The absolute best detective ever! Just love, love, love columbo. Wish I could find full episodes from season 1 to the final season.
Peacock is hoping that you'll go to them for the full episodes.
@@ronmackinnon9374 Fortunately my OTT platform recently started to provide 24/7 series allowing me to watch Columbo 24/7 starting from S01E01. I just have to leave the channel on and season 1 to I think 10 repeats all day long through out the week. I must thank the person who thought of offering 24/7 series channel because I also get Knight Rider, the Old Hawaii Five O, Miami Vice, Grimm and so many more of my favourite TV shows except Supernatural. For that, I have to subscribe to video on demand which I have.
Lee Grant is so good in this, definitely top 10 in guest star murderer!
This was one of the best Columbo scenes. Lee Grant was born in 1925 and she's active in the industry. Fantastic actress.
This 1971 "NBC Mystery Movie" is my favorite of Lee Grant's performances. For it "she was nominated for an Emmy as Outstanding Lead Actress - Miniseries or a Movie."
The best ending ever as far as I'm concerned.
I like the one with the Irish guy.
@@juansantos-lq2kz You mean "The Conspirators" The 'Irish' actor in it was just putting on a fake Irish accent, he was actually from New Zealand.
@@patrickjohnson5658 I loved the Conspirators ending, and this was all before the world went digital. I can only imagine the work Columbo had to do to coordinate that bust.
Uh...sorry but the best Columbo ending of all time is Blueprint for Murder.
This one is one of the best. My best endings are “A deadly state of mind”, “Negative reaction” and “Candidate for crime”.
This was my dad’s favorite show when I was a kid in the 70s in Colombia 🇨🇴. Now I understand why. Dad was wicked smart. Miss u dad RIP
The gesture she makes by touching Columbos face, was so intimate and enchanting, could be improvised by her!! I like the interaction between them two. Nowadays there is no show that can rival Columbo in any way.
Lee Grant's hair is fantastic.
"Would you like to finish your sherry?" Now that's manners!
Thank you very much! I watched this episode at the age of 15 years old in 1973.
I was moved by the beauty of the actress!
Lee Grant plays this perfectly. Love how Columbo says any different than WHAT you are. And it's fun watching him watch her gloat: he really doesn't like her, and he's really going to enjoy sticking this cat in the bag.
I think he was afraid she'd eventually kill Margaret
@@tonyapjackson8375 Could be, yeah.
I LOVE Columbo!!!! I was born in 1972, and remember watching Columbo when it was part of the "Sunday night mysteries" - it came on past my bedtime, so I'd lay on the floor in the hallway (the T.V. was in the family room facing the wall that the hallway was connected to..) with all my toys and watching 'til I fell asleep and subsequently discovered - resulting in "the case of the spanked little boy ".... MeTV showed Columbo for awhile on Sunday and followed it with "Monk"(my OTHER favorite detective!!)and it became bonding time for my daughter and I(she's really smart and likes clever mysteries as much as I do! Yeah, she's awesome!😸) every Sunday evening. Unfortunately, MeTV dropped both shows and we STILL complain about it. Maybe if enough people write in to MeTV, they'll resurrect Columbo/Monk Sundays!! Hint, hint!😸
Ha! He’s got a briefcase loaded with money (evidence) but he can’t pay the buck and change bill!
Not with a C-note. Waitress probably didn't have that kind of change on her.
@@nolanboles8492 Also, he wouldn't spend money that doesn't belong to him.
@@jimbobeire Yeah, Columbia occasionally bent the procedural rules to solve a case, but he was too scrupulously honest to steal. This isn't the only time the writers put him under the temptation to do something stereotypically crooked, and he always did the right thing.
That money was evidence in a murder case! Using ANY of it would taint the evidence! It must be checked into the legal evidence system EXACTLY as it was received or her lawyer could challenge it.
@@gedstrom And Columbo was too much of a stickler for reports and processes to taint his own case like that.
Yet another great ending from a great show. And 1 of the most hilarious endings. Here he is standing next to a loaded briefcase full of cash, cash in hand, yet he cant find a buck 10 for the drinks. On top of that he has to borrow a pen to sign for them... Lol classic.
While the hard-working waitress just has to watch, knowing how she'll likely never be in such proximity to so much money again in her life.